Dolphins Finally Activate TE Darren Waller, But ‘Coddling’ Isn’t Done Yet

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Miami Dolphins have finally elevated former retired tight end Darren Waller off the physically unable to perform list.

The playmaker has not seen action in the NFL since 2023, but the tight end needy Phins were able to get him to lace them up one more time to join their famously speedy offense. He has not appeared in a single practice so far this training camp, but that could change Thursday. Or will it?

Dolphins writer Brian Miller isn’t sold.

“McDaniel told the media ahead of the joint practices with the Lions that he didn’t want Waller to come off the PUP because he didn’t think a joint practice would be the best situation. This week, the Dolphins will host the Jaguars,” Miller wrote on PhinPhanatic.  “If Waller practices immediately, it would be a bit surprising. Miami has coddled him up to this point.”

Head Coach Mike McDaniel teased his return during his Monday afternoon media availability.

“I’m expecting to see him sooner than later,” McDaniel told reporters on Monday. “In the back of my mind, it would be this week, but I’m not going to just put him out there this week because I said it before. I’m hopeful, but it’s very soon. We’re just making sure all of our ducks are in a row before we take that listing off him.”

Agent Drew Rosenhaus Says He Is Good To Go

Waller’s agent is famed deal maker Drew Rosenhaus, who Miami fans might know a little too well.

He joined local Miami sportscaster Josh Moser on Sports Xtra to do his weekly football season TV spot. During his appearance, Rosenhaus provided a very promising update on Waller’s ability among the doubts that the 32-year-old still has it.

“With all due respect to the other tight ends on the roster, Darren will be ready to rock,” Rosenhaus said. “He’ll do his part. I’m sure he’ll get enough time in leading up to the season where he’ll be able to contribute in the season opener. He’s been working incredibly hard. While he hasn’t been practicing, he is running off to the side. He’s running routes. He’s pretty much full speed now. I think he’s going to be more than ready for the first game.”

Tight End Room Roster Projection

Many projections circulating for the Miami Dolphins final 53-man roster see the team electing to keep four tight ends. This is mostly because nobody really knows what Waller will look like in his return.

Still, four tight ends is a hefty room. The favorites to join Waller are Julian Hill, Tanner Conner, and Pharaoh Brown. Alone, these three make up a capable but unexciting unit. If Waller is in 2022 shape, this unit can excel.

SI’s Alain Poupart expects the team to justify it’s use of four roster spots.

“We’re still not 100 percent convinced the Dolphins will keep four tight ends, and this is a spot they could look to if they decide to go deeper at a position other than wide receiver,” Poupart writes. “Conner would be the most valuable here if the Dolphins are confident that Waller can be a factor for the whole season.”